The federal government yesterday called for local solutions and better partnerships to tackle the growing effects of climate change on health in the country.
The call was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, at the ‘10th Future of Health Conference’ in Abuja, noting that climate change was already affecting Nigeria and requires urgent action.
At the event themed: “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience in the Climate and Health Nexus,” Pate outlined major challenges Nigeria is facing to include political and economic problems, rapid urban growth, population increase, and the return of infectious diseases.
He however said none of these challenges compare to the threat of climate change, noting that the country has already seen impacts of flooding, droughts, cases of diseases like malaria and yellow fever, and food shortages caused by bad weather affecting farms.
Pate said: “The future is here. Climate change is already affecting our health today, and it will continue to do so in the future. This is not just a health issue; it is a matter of survival for our country.”
